The Detroit Pistons have added veteran wing Taurean Prince via trade, banking on his perimeter shooting and leadership for a young roster. Prince arrives from the Milwaukee Bucks after a late-season surge that saw him score 19 points on perfect 5-for-5 three-point shooting in a game last April. The Pistons' most recent outing was a 94-125 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on May 18, 2026, part of a recent form showing two wins and three losses in their last five games.
Who is Taurean Prince and what did he show last season?
Prince is a 10-year NBA veteran who faced a major health challenge last season. He underwent surgery for herniated discs in his neck in early November, missing most of the next four months. Returning to the court in March, he needed time to find his rhythm. By April, he was logging 30 minutes per night and averaging nearly 17 points per game for the Bucks. His season-high came on April 5 in a 131-115 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Prince scored 19 points on 7-for-8 shooting including that flawless 5-for-5 performance from deep.
Milwaukee's head coach Doc Rivers highlighted Prince's progress after that game. "Getting his rhythm, making plays, a bit more aggressive going down hill," Rivers said. "You would see where he wouldn't even go downhill earlier, so this is why these games, even though we're out of the playoffs, they're meaningful to a lot of guys and Taurean is one of them." Even with the Bucks out of playoff contention, Prince valued the court time to reestablish himself as a scoring threat.
Why did the Detroit Pistons make this trade?
The Pistons agreed to trade Caris LeVert to the Bucks for Prince and Gary Harris. This move allowed Detroit to move off LeVert's contract for two cheaper deals involving experienced shooters. Prince's ability to space the floor as a 6-foot-6 wing fits a clear need. He can provide depth at shooting guard or small forward, with fleeting minutes at power forward if needed. His late-season play demonstrated he can excel in a rotational role, which is exactly what the Pistons expect from him.
Beyond stats, Prince brings veteran leadership. He worked to set an example for younger players on Milwaukee's roster during the season's final stretch. That intangible quality is significant for a Pistons team building around Cade Cunningham and Ausar Thompson. You can view the full Pistons roster to see how Prince fits into the roster construction.
What is next for Prince with the Pistons?
Prince has already begun integrating with his new team. He participated in offseason workouts with teammates, including Cunningham and Thompson. The group also held a players-led mini-camp in San Diego within the last two weeks. This early work should help build chemistry before official training camp starts later this month.
He is expected to begin his Detroit career as a rotational player on the second unit. His shooting and defensive versatility will be assets for a team looking to improve. The Pistons' recent form, including losing their last two games, shows there's room for experienced players who can contribute consistently. As the team prepares for the new season, Prince's health and adaptation will be key factors to watch on our stats page.
His journey from major neck surgery to a perfect shooting night in April proves his resilience. For the Pistons, acquiring a player who has battled back from injury and produced is a calculated move. They are betting his late-season form in Milwaukee is a sign of things to come in Detroit.
